Friday, October 27, 2006

The Constitution and Presidential power

In one of Philppine Center for Investigative Journalism's (PCIJ) books, it noted that the President is the only who can appoint some 3,000 plus positions in a government office or gov't owned and controlled corporation (GOCC). Indirectly, the President can influence the appointment of another 100,000-200,000 positions in the bureaucracy throughout his/her administration.

If only for that reason, we should amend or revise (take your pick) the Constitution.

Media credibility is low in both the Philippines and in the US, hence the rise of alternative/independent media and the need to triangulate (look at different sources) information.

The political actors involved and the responsiveness of the Constitution to the country's needs and realities over time are two distinct discussion points that we should not conflate. Who will do this for us?